WHEN Dr Oswald Smiley walked across the stage to receive his doctorate in business management, the moment felt bigger than an academic milestone. It was the culmination of decades of discipline, faith, and vision and the beginning of a new chapter in his lifelong mission to bridge the worlds of engineering and leadership.

That moment also arrived at a time when Jamaica was reeling from Hurricane Melissa; one of its most devastating disasters in recent history. As communities on the island faced widespread destruction, Dr Smiley was once again called to lead. Even while celebrating his personal accomplishment, he stepped immediately into coordinating critical restoration efforts as Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) regional planning director – east, with special restoration focus for the parish of St Mary, guiding teams through damaged terrain, prioritising safety, and restoring light to families in darkness.

For over 30 years, Dr Smiley has been a stalwart in Jamaica’s energy sector, currently serving with distinction as manager of engineering and construction – rural electrification at JPS. His technical acumen, sharpened by years of solving complex challenges in grid modernisation, rural electrification, and distributed energy, has long been matched by his quiet determination to lead with purpose and integrity. Yet, for him, this latest achievement goes far beyond professional advancement, as it represents true transformation.

“After decades in engineering, I recognised that sustainable impact requires more than technical excellence. It demands strategic vision, people-centred leadership, and business acumen,” he shared. “The doctorate was not about earning another credential, but about deepening my ability to influence systems, inspire transformation, and prepare the next generation of engineers to think beyond design and technical competencies.”

That conviction guided him through the demanding years of doctoral study, a period that tested his endurance as much as his intellect. Balancing work, family, and academics required a new kind of precision, one rooted in faith, focus, and placing emotions on the back burner. “When your ‘why’ is strong enough, you find strength in the struggle,” he reflected. “The late nights become investments in a greater vision.”

For Dr Smiley, the PhD also deepened his approach to leadership. He now views decision-making through a broader lens that blends data with empathy and systems thinking with stewardship. “Leadership isn’t just about managing systems; it’s about nurturing people and culture,” he explained. “It’s about ensuring that every decision contributes to both operational excellence and organisational purpose.”

This philosophy extends beyond JPS to his wider contributions in the Caribbean’s energy landscape. A professional engineer and author, Dr Smiley wrote Removing the Barriers for Engineers Entering Business, a book that challenges technical professionals to reimagine their role in leadership and enterprise. “Too many brilliant engineers remain confined to the technical lane,” he noted. “I wanted to dismantle those mental and institutional barriers and help them see that they belong in the boardroom too.”

His message to young professionals is simple but profound: Learning never stops. At the heart of Dr Smiley’s success story lies a rich history of faith, family, and legacy. The memory of his late mother, who taught him that “education is the key to success”, remains his guiding light. “Though she’s not here to see this moment, her voice still echoes in my heart,” he said. “This accomplishment is a tribute to her belief that excellence is not an option, but a responsibility.”

Looking ahead, Dr Smiley sees his doctorate not as an endpoint but a launchpad. His focus now turns to mentoring emerging leaders, influencing policy, and advancing innovation in the energy, engineering, and education sectors. “My goal is to turn knowledge into impact and experience into empowerment,” he said.

And if Hurricane Melissa reaffirmed anything, it is that leaders like Dr Smiley are most needed when the nation is at its most vulnerable. As he helps to restore power to the parishes of Region East, he is once again proving that true leadership is found in service.

Dr Oswald Smiley proudly celebrates the completion of his Doctorate in Business Management.

Dr Oswald Smiley coordinating restoration works to bring power back to affected communities.